Help your heating or cooling products run smooth during the seasons you need them most.

Follow the manufacturer's maintenance instructions which generally include these instructions:

• Keep air-supply outlets and return inlets clear of obstructions.

• Clear leaves, brush, and dirt as they accumulate on the outside unit. If there's a pipe for draining condensate water, check it for blockage.

• Check the air filter once a month during the operating season. Replace it if it looks dirty (some are washable).

• Invest in a digital thermostat to program temperatures for your cooling and heating systems to follow throughout the day.

• Routinely have a professional contractor perform a pre-season check-up.

• Consider purchasing a maintenance agreement, especially if it includes both cooling and heating systems.

Just as the warm summer months are a busy time for professional cooling contractors, the cold winter months can be busy for professional heating contractors. Two very good reasons for having a professional check your unit before the cooling and heating seasons is prevention of abreakdown and ensuring safety from harmful gases. A check-up can save you time, money and keep you comfortable during the coldest and hottest days. A seasonal check-up should include the following items:

• Clean and adjust thermostat

• Check voltage and amperage draw to motors

• Lubricate all moving parts (unless permanently sealed)

• Check air filters and compressors

• Check fan-limit switch and fan relays

• Check electrical wiring and connections

• Check temperature rise across heat exchanger

• Check firing rate

• Check gas manifold pressure (gas only)

• Check for leaks

• Change nozzle (oil only)

• Change filter (oil only)

• Check reversing valves and defrost controls (heat pump only)

• Check air flow across the indoor and outdoor coils

• Check outdoor coils

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